Japanese Business Glossary

事業主 (jigyounushi) refers to a business owner or entrepreneur in Japan. This term describes an individual who owns, operates, or manages a business. A jigyounushi is responsible for making key decisions, managing operations, and ensuring the success and growth of the business.

The role of a jigyounushi includes various responsibilities, such as overseeing financial management, marketing, human resources, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. They are also typically involved in strategic planning and may need to address challenges and opportunities that arise in the course of running their business.

Being a jigyounushi requires a combination of skills, including leadership, financial acumen, and an understanding of the market and industry in which they operate. It also involves a willingness to take risks and innovate to achieve business objectives.

開業 (kaigyou) refers to the act of starting or opening a new business or practice in Japan. This term is commonly used when someone begins a new business venture, whether it be a small shop, a large company, or a professional practice such as a medical clinic or law firm.

The process of kaigyou involves several steps, including planning the business idea and developing a business plan, registering the business with the relevant government authorities, securing necessary permits and licenses, setting up the business location, arranging financing and managing initial capital investments, and hiring staff and organizing the operational aspects of the business.

Successful kaigyou requires careful planning, knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements, and effective execution of business strategies. It marks the beginning of a business journey and the formal entry into the market.

売上高 (uriagedaka) refers to sales revenue or turnover in Japan. It represents the total amount of money generated from the sale of goods or services by a business over a specific period. This figure is a key indicator of a company's performance and is often used to assess its financial health and growth.

Uriagedaka includes all income from primary business activities before deducting expenses such as costs of goods sold, operating expenses, taxes, and other financial obligations. It is typically reported on the income statement and is a critical metric for investors, managers, and stakeholders to understand how well the business is performing in generating sales.

補償 (hoshou) refers to compensation or indemnification in Japan. It is the act of providing payment or other forms of reparation to cover losses, damages, or injuries. Hoshou can apply to various contexts, such as workplace injuries, where employees may receive compensation for injuries sustained while performing their job duties. It also includes insurance claims, where individuals or businesses receive payments from insurance companies to cover losses from events like accidents, natural disasters, or theft. Legal settlements may involve compensation awarded as a result of legal proceedings to cover damages or losses. Additionally, hoshou can cover business interruptions, providing payments to businesses to cover losses from disruptions like natural disasters or other unforeseen events. The purpose of hoshou is to restore the affected party to their financial position prior to the loss or damage, as much as possible. It is an essential aspect of risk management and financial planning for individuals and businesses alike.

市街地 (shigaichi) refers to an urban area or city center in Japan. It denotes regions within a city or town that are densely populated and developed with a concentration of buildings, infrastructure, commercial establishments, and residential areas.

Shigaichi typically includes the central business district, where a high volume of business activities, offices, and retail shops are located. It may also encompass surrounding neighborhoods that are part of the continuous urban landscape. These areas are characterized by their accessibility to public transportation, higher population density, and a range of services and amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers, schools, and hospitals.

In terms of urban planning and development, shigaichi represents the most developed and active part of a city, playing a crucial role in the economic, social, and cultural life of the region.

分からない (Wakaranai) is a Japanese phrase that means "I don't understand" or "I don't know." It is used to express a lack of understanding or knowledge about something. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as when someone doesn't comprehend a concept, is unsure about information, or cannot answer a question.

For example, if someone asks you a question in Japanese and you don't know the answer, you can say 分からない to indicate that you don't know. It is a common and useful phrase in everyday conversation to convey uncertainty or lack of knowledge.